FreshFirst

FreshFirst is an innovative program at Aurora's Farmers Market. It is managed in partnership with VNA Health Care and funded through a grant. FreshFirst is designed to provide assistance to overweight and obese children, young mothers and families who are at risk of developing diet-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Fruit and vegetable prescriptions are distributed by a registered dietitian and a diabetes educator at VNA Health Care and redeemed at Aurora's Farmers Market for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Through VNA Health Care led education, a meal log, monitoring and family support, participants are expected to alter their current dietary habits with an increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables resulting in improved health. Additionally each dollar of the FreshFirst program benefits the Aurora community in three ways: by nourishing the consumer, boosting farmers' revenue and supporting the overall health of our community.